US5348478A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Modular terrain board
Assignee: MACTEC Inc
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Filing: 1992-10-02
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Granted: 1994-09-20
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Expires: 2012-10-02
Abstract
Abstract A modular terrain board is provided having a plurality of sections or terrain cell plugs which are held in place by a baseboard assembly having a corresponding plurality of cell receiving sections or cells formed therein. The terrain cell plugs can be easily removed to allow for quick and accurate reconfiguration of the terrain model. The terrain board has means for representing buildings, rivers, lakes, roads, and other topographical features.
Inventors
- 👤 Micheal Bradshaw
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 21:24
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09B; G09B25/00; G09B25/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
A three dimensional model landscape apparatus, the apparatus being representative of an actual landscape including surface area and capable of supporting a plurality of structures, the apparatus comprising: a baseboard assembly having a plurality of apertures; a plurality of terrain cell units adapted for mounting within said apertures, each of said terrain cell units being representative of a section of surface area, said terrain cell units selectively having depressions formed therein; fastening means for securing structures to said baseboard assembly, said fastening means adapted for mounting within the apertures.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
A three dimensional model landscape apparatus, the apparatus being representative of an actual landscape including surface area and capable of supporting a plurality of structures, the apparatus comprising: a baseboard assembly having a plurality of apertures; a plurality of terrain cell units adapted for mounting within said apertures, each of said terrain cell units being representative of a section of surface area, said terrain cell units selectively having depressions formed therein; fastening means for securing structures to said baseboard assembly, said fastening means adapted for mounting within the apertures.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said terrain cell units are adapted for mounting within said apertures by providing a protruding portion extending from the underside thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the dimensions of said protruding portion correspond exactly with the dimensions of the apertures so as to provide frictional engagement therewith.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said apertures are square.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein 100 of said apertures are formed in each of said baseboard assemblies, the apertures being arranged in a 10 by 10 matrix.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
64 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said fastening means has a top surface and includes a central cylindrical bore, a pin adapted for rotatable mounting within said bore and having a part thereof projecting above the top surface of said fastening menas, said pin being appropriately sized for locking engagement with an irregularly shaped aperture provided in the underside of the structure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said pin allows for rotation to 16 discrete positions.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as defined in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 including means for recording the position of said structures.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as defined in claims 1, 6, or 7 where said structures can be disassembled to allow for inspection of the interior of the structures.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 9 where said structures can include buildings, the buildings having several floors, each floor capable of being arranged in accordance with a given floor plan.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 10 including means for recording the arrangement of each floor.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claims 1, 6, or 7 where said structures can be representative of naturally occuring terrain features or man made features.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
GB108069A
Cited
US1449519A
Cited
FR1001406A
Cited
FR1092032A
Cited
US3420527A
Cited
US3464145A
Cited
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Cited
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Cited
GB2098495A
Cited
EP0099518A2
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-09-19 | 1998-03-21 | 1998-09-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-09-19 | 2002-03-21 | 2002-09-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-09-19 | 2006-03-21 | 2006-09-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |